Tell us a little bit about yourself and what God has called you to do? I live in Austin, Texas with my husband of almost 10 years and our two daughters, 3 years and 6 months old. I am a photographer at Kelly Rucker Photography, and the Co-Founder of The Well Studio. In this season of life, I feel called to slow down a bit, be intentional, and simply enjoy time with my kids. Slowing down is hard for me because I love dreaming and doing. I always have ideas and am always making to-do lists. In this season with young kids, I feel God refining me once again and reminding me to put all my trust in Him.

Where do you live and have you lived anywhere else? I have lived in Texas my whole life, so far. I'm currently in Austin, but originally from Dallas.

How do you carve out time with God everyday? Every way I can! I've had to change my perspective on "quiet time" with God. My life is rarely quiet! I pray in the car and in the shower, and I read the Bible on my phone. I talk with my kids about God, and make it an open conversation in our home. I also write Scripture as often as I can. It's one thing to read God's Word, but I find that writing it lets His Words sink in a little deeper.

What is your best organizational/planning tip, other than your Anchored Press Planner, of course? I'm a list maker and have a list for everything. I use Google Docs and I like it because I can access it from my phone if needed. I use list categories and it has worked great for me! For example, I have a "household list" for things I need to get done at home (i.e. organize the craft closet!) and a "photography business" list for all my work to-dos, etc. This method helps break it up and I can focus on one area at a time, instead of having one list a mile long. I also love using the YNAB budgeting app on my phone! Budgeting on the go has totally changed the way I spend and save money. 

What is your family’s favorite go-to easy meal? Tacos or Stir-fry. We have both every week!

What is your favorite Bible Verse? Colossians 3:1-3. "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." I love these words. I struggle with anxiety sometimes and this Scripture reminds me to think about all that is good and true, not the "what if's" and negative things my mind creates. Focus on God, what He has done and continues to do.

Quiet time. How do these two words make you feel? Do you feel at peace or do you feel pressure? My prayer is those of you feeling pressured look at your quiet time differently when you step away from reading this. Instead, I want those two words to be something you look forward to doing everyday.

Peace comes from God, pressure on the other hand comes from this world. God is grace and before we jump into the topic, remember that God sent Jesus “so that there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1-2 AMP). That law they are talking about are all of the things that were expected of you, pre-Jesus, to get to heaven. So now that we cleared that up, having a ritualistic quiet time with God will not get you into Heaven, it will not make God more or less proud of you, and will most definitely not make God love you more or less. BUT, what it will do is connect you with your Creator. Connect you deeply with your Creator. And it will give you “the peace that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) Who doesn’t want more peace in this chaotic world?

I’ve been interviewing women several months and am finding that when asked how they make time for God, most start out with an excuse. And they are valid excuses; like I’m in a busy season, I’m not a morning person, I have toddlers at home, I don’t know where to start. I also hear a lot of women say they spend their quiet time in their car worshiping God on the radio, praying to Him at a stoplight, or reading Christian books. Those are all great things and are things that will enrich your relationship with God, but when we talk about quiet time around here, we are simply talking about being in God’s Word with Him. It is promised that His Word is “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12), “right and true” (Psalm 33:4), and “God-breathed and useful for teaching” (2 Timothy 3:16). God will use the time you spend in His Word to use you. He promises us that His word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). I have personally seen this over and over again in my life. Truthfully, almost daily, God uses what I read in the morning to enrich my day or use me in the lives of others. And that’s when it gets fun! You will not want to miss a day with God when you realize without it, you are not living your life to the fullest. With it you will live out “the plans He has for you” (Jeremiah 29:11).

So if you find it difficult to make your quiet time happen, I wanted to share with you two simple tips that helped me make my quiet time a habit:

1-Get an accountability partner. At the time that it all changed for me, we were doing a study with our small group and we would all text each other when we finished our time with God. Or even better, text right when you start.

2-Each night ask God to wake you up early to spend time with Him. I’m serious about this one. One of my Bible study leader’s taught me this one and when she said it I thought she was crazy. But, it worked! God will answer your prayer! I was never a morning person until I started asking God to wake me up early to meet with Him.

If you have any other tips, please comment below. We’d love to share them with our community. I will be praying that there is no more pressure, no more guilt and and next time you hear those wonderful two words-quiet time-that you only feel God’s grace and His peace that surpasses all understanding!

DRAW NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU. JAMES 4:8 NIV